In a world increasingly shaped by data and advanced technology, mathematical thinking is a life skill young people need to navigate their futures. Yet today, far too many are falling behind in math and missing out on the opportunities it unlocks.
National efforts to improve math outcomes have largely focused on in-school interventions such as tutoring, curriculum changes, and test prep. While important, these strategies aren’t enough to help young people build their confidence and shift how they engage with math.
That’s where out-of-school-time (OST) programs come in. Afterschool and summer learning environments are uniquely positioned to reshape students’ relationship with math, making it feel approachable, meaningful, and worth pursuing.
STEM Next’s new issue brief, Factoring in Afterschool: A Critical Variable in America’s Math Strategy, highlights the overlooked power of OST learning to transform math engagement and achievement. Drawing from national research—including insights from the Math Narrative Project—and reviewed by experts in math education and public policy, the brief offers a clear roadmap for funders, policymakers, and cross-sector leaders ready to scale solutions that work.
This publication was made possible with generous support from Takeda, whose long-term commitment to math learning is helping expand opportunity for youth across the country.
What expert leaders in math learning are saying
“I’m so inspired by the vision, the recommendations, and the practical, roll-up-the-sleeves work of STEM Next… STEM Next is a leader to be grateful for.”
— Linda J. Chaput, CEO and Founder, Agile Mind
“STEM Next makes a compelling case that enabling our children to experience [math’s] beauty and power in the everyday worlds they inhabit will inspire them to learn… Bravo to STEM Next.”
— Philip Uri Treisman, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics and Public Affairs, UT Austin
“Our nation’s mathematics learning challenge is an opportunity when both arms of education — formal and informal — join in the battle.”
— Jeff Weld, Ph.D., STEM Education Executive Consultant
Join STEM Next for a virtual panel exploring how afterschool and summer programs are helping to reimagine math learning nationwide. Panelists include experts from The Gates Foundation, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Learn Fresh.
Wednesday, August 20th at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT